Bill > SF83

This bill, known as the "No Patient Left Alone Act", establishes a legal right for patients and residents in healthcare facilities to have at least one support person present while receiving care services. The bill defines a "support person" broadly, including family members, clergy, individuals meeting physical or mental needs, and even service providers like hairdressers. Healthcare providers must develop written policies allowing support persons, with specific provisions such as maximum access during visits, accommodations for end-of-life situations, and allowing clergy members beyond typical visitor limits. The bill prohibits providers from requiring patients to waive these visitation rights or execute additional directives as a condition of visitation. Providers must inform patients of their rights and provide complaint procedures. The legislation includes important protections, such as allowing support persons for minors without strict visitation hours and mandating virtual visitation options when physical presence is impossible. Providers can face civil penalties of $500 per day for knowingly violating the act. The bill does include some exemptions, such as restricting support persons from operating rooms, isolation units, and critical care settings, and allows limitations if the support person poses a health or safety risk.

Health and Social Services

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0083&ssn=0&y=2025